The damage wrought on 0gden’s east bench by recent flooding was a consequence of “terrain modification” by offroad vehicles in the opinion of Bruce N. Kaliser, state engineering geologist. if this is true, could a similar tragedy occur in Utah Valley or in other areas of the state below vehicledamaged hillsides? Parts of Ogden’s east bench were declared a disaster area in the wake of the flooding and mudslides. Thirty homes were damaged, seven of them extensively. Heavy loss was incurred. Mr. Kaliser, employed by the Utah Geological and Mineral Survey, a division of the State Department of Natural Resources, has investigated the causes of many flash floods affecting Utah communities during his 13 years with UGMS, “At no time,” he stated, “have the damaging effects of off-road vehicles been more clearly demonstrated” than in the Ogden area. Bedrock, buried at depths of only one to six inches, was stripped clean of soil cover in many places above the Pineview Canal, he said. Roads and paths created by four-wheel drive vehicles and trail bikes were responsible for diversion of flood runoff across areas of loose soil rather than down existing natural drainageways and channels, it was noted. Mr. Kaliser described as “widespread” the problem of vehicles denuding the vegetation and creating “ruts that grow into gullies” along the urbanized Wasatch Front. As a precautionary step here in Utah Valley, the Herald believes it would be wise for the proper authorities to hold inspection tours along possibly-damaged foothill areas rimming this valley, Also that such corrective steps as might be deemed necessary be taken to forestall problems such as were experienced in Ogden. Furthermore, surveys should be made to determine how well local ordinances affecting vehicular travel on the hillsides are being obeyed and enforced, Utah County’s ordinance (Section 23-24) requires that before operating a motor vehicle on private prgperty permission must be obtain in writing. And Sections 23-45 make it unlawful to operate “any type of motor vehicle” on public property except a hgihway or street without first obtaining written permission of the “public entity” in possession of the property. The person must carry the written permission with him. A number of years ago, public and private agencies, interested in the problem of vehicular erosion in the mountains east of Provo held several meetings to plan action, and legislation to solve the problem. Groups involved with off-road vehicles have shown an interest also from time to time. In fact, a delegation met with the county commission fairly recently to discuss the matter and press for designation of an acceptable area where vehicles could be used without causing hazards or damaging watersheds. The over-all problem deserves wide and continual community interest and invlovement. Constructive steps for prevention might avoid serious consequences later.